Drive

Drive...

A movie almost as simple, yet brilliant as its short, effortlessly perfect title.

You'll have to forgive me for much of this review as it will come across as me gushing about just how positively much I love this movie (at least a Top 10 of mine, if not a Top 5 even).

Probably one of the more iconic clothing items
in the last decade

Drive is a film that not everyone loved, and understandably so. I think many people expected a balls to the wall car-centered movie with tons of action. Drive is not that. Drive is a movie that takes its time with its action and violence...it almost seems, much like the main character, like it is afraid of it.

The plot is extremely simple as we meet the Driver (Ryan Gosling) who never actually receives a name. He is a pro behind the wheel, literally, as he drives for stunts in the movies. But that's during the day. At night, he becomes a driver for hire with very specific rules for his clients. The opening, electric, and realistic scene introduces this to us in a pulse-pounding chase around Los Angeles in which it seems like the Driver will get pulled over at any moment, but then, in a moment of genius, escapes free. Cue the 80s-esque, synthesized soundtrack and neon pink opening credits and Drive has you...and it has you GOOD. More than any movie I've probably ever seen, Drive just emanates "cool" from its cinematic pores. It's practically palpable and it only took me through the opening credits to know that I was in for a wild ride.

Realistic driving set pieces are boring you say?
Drive would beg to differ.

Just awkwardly perfect

Ryan Gosling plays the main character and he does so with an incredible sense of confidence. The amount of speaking lines he has are relatively low for a lead character, but it's his stoic nature that will captivate you. The Driver is quiet, he keeps to himself and what he is good at. He is loyal to those he likes and his friends. He cares. But deep, deep within him is a hyperviolent beast that he doesn't entirely have control of. It's an amazing character to watch, not only as he interacts rather awkwardly with other characters, but as he loses his s**t and doles out punishment. The remainder of the cast is top-notch and full of fantastic performances as well. Bryan Cranston, while not his best here in a supporting role, fits the role of Shannon well. Ron Perlman has a ton of fun as an inappropriate yet intimidating member of the west cost mafia, as does Albert Brooks in a fantastic turn as a ruthless, yet professional villain. Carey Mulligan...I swear I don't know what devilish power she has over me...but I could watch her forever and Drive is no different. Despite how awkward they are on screen together in the film (I mean that as a positive) Gosling and Mulligan have undeniable chemistry that is almost as physical as the vibes the movie is sending out. She portrays Irene in such an innocent way that you understand why Gosling is immediately defensive of her and her son.

"Do you ever take that jacket off?"

While the characters are all interesting, if not a little one dimensional (other than the Driver and Irene), they truly aren't the stars of the show. The star of the show is just that: the show. It's the complete package. Everything, from the cinematography, to the wardrobe, to the violent outbursts, to the roar of the car engines, to the original score, to the soundtrack...it all just melts together so perfectly that you'd be forgiven for believing that the director, Nicolas Winding Refn is a genius. He certainly isn't as his follow up and spiritual successor to Drive, Only God Forgives, was an absolute mess (you can read the review HERE), but for those 100 minutes of Drive, he really was onto something special. The easiest way I can put it is that Drive is just an incredibly well put together film, from start to end. Sure it may sag slightly near the end or during character interactions, but if you are someone like myself, someone who was hooked from the opening credits, it's all just so damn cool.

Lastly, I'd like to point out the original score and soundtrack composed and chosen by Cliff Martinez. Martinez, who also seemed to lack the same inspiration in Only God Forgives, provides us with one of my personal favorite acoustic accompaniments of a film. You know how I talked about the film just oozing "cool" earlier? A significant portion of that statement comes from the fabulous auditory environment that Martinez has created with his synthetic notes, rushing tempos, and pulsating beats. It just fits the film so perfectly that you almost wonder which one came first, the film or the music?

I-CON-IC

It should be evident by now that I absolutely love Drive. It blew me away in theaters as it borderline seduced me with its aura and every now and again I get back around to watching it and I fall in love all over again. It's a film that dares you to nitpick at it and find something wrong because its response will either be a hammer to the teeth or the simple, cool reply:

"Do you think I give a s**t?"

CONS:

• It's truly heartbreaking that Only God Forgives was only something that God could forgive. Because as a movie goer, I've never been so disappointed by a film as that one and it took almost a year for me to even watch Drive again once the sour taste finally left my mouth
• Drive isn't for everyone. If you or your friends have ADD, then this film will drive you crazy (pun intended?). It takes its time, but that's all part of its simplistic brilliance
• Some scenes near the end lack the same attention to detail and care as others

PROS:

• COOL. There is really no other word that can be used to describe the film as it basically entrances you for 100 minutes to convince you of this
• Ryan Gosling is stoic and silent as the nameless Driver. He's the perfect amount of quirky, awkward, and unhinged
• Explosive and surprising violence. When that first scene happens (and you'll know which one I'm talking about), almost everyone screams, "Oh my God!". Drive takes its time. It builds up. It convinces you that it's one kind of movie and then pulls the rug on you
• Solid performances by Bryan Cranston, Ron Perlman, and definitely Albert Brooks
• Carey Mulligan is perfect as the innocent love interest and plays off Gosling's awkward traits well
• Great cinematography
• An absolutely PERFECT original score and soundtrack. One of my all time favorites. This is one of those movies that the music makes the film
• I love the ending as it makes you think one thing, but finally reveals its true nature
• A short, electric ride that grabs hold of you and doesn't let go for days after. If Drive is a cult classic, then I might as well be the damn leader of said cult

Retro Rath's Review Score:

10/10 -- Instant Classic